The Gauteng department of education (GDE) says the rapid growth in the number of pupils who require nutrition support in quintile 4 and 5 schools, which are fee-paying institutions, has placed significant pressure on provincial funding for the programme.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona was responding to reports that the department had not paid service providers and said the department was working on making outstanding payments.
In a statement, Mabona said the department had "experienced significant socio-economic changes and this has resulted in growing numbers of vulnerable children in fee-paying schools".
Despite these financial constraints, the GDE continues to work tirelessly in prioritising the daily provision of meals for learners and to keep operations running smoothly.
— GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona
"This increase is directly linked to the rising socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by families who were previously self-sufficient," he said.
"Compounding these pressures, budget reductions at the provincial level have created further strain on this essential programme. Despite these financial constraints, the GDE continues to work tirelessly in prioritising the daily provision of meals for learners and to keep operations running smoothly.
"Regrettably, these challenges have resulted in delays in processing payments to some service providers operating under the extended programme. The department has engaged directly with affected service providers and committed to resolve [the problem] accordingly."
Mabona said government is reviewing the school quintile system to ensure that funding allocations are better aligned with current socio-economic realities.
"This review seeks to introduce a more accurate and responsive categorisation of schools, recognising that the traditional distinction between fee-paying and no-fee-paying schools no longer fully reflects the financial circumstances of many families.
"The department remains committed to clearing all outstanding payments and ensuring that service providers are supported to continue with their vital work."
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